Title: Transformation to Provide New Genes for Fhb Resistance: a Summary of Current U.S. Public Research

Author

Dahleen, Lynn

Submitted to: The Canadian Workshop on Fusarium Head Blight
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 18, 2003
Publication Date: December 10, 2003
Citation: Dahleen, L.S. 2003. Transformation to provide new genes for FHB resistance: A summary of current U.S. public research. The 3rd Canadian Workshop on Fusarium Head Blight. p. 89.

Technical Abstract:
Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe) has been a serious disease in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and durum (Triticum durum L.) since the 1990's. The most economical method of control is to develop resistant cultivars. In addition to resistance being bred in through traditional methods, transformation to insert new genes has the potential to increase FHB resistance. This presentation describes progress on public transformation projects funded by the US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, including those at several USDA-ARS laboratories, at the Universities of California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and at Montana State University. Approaches include insertion of single or combinations of antifungal and antitoxin genes, use of spike-specific promoters, various systems to remove plasmid and marker genes, development of antibodies to test for gene products, and field and greenhouse tests to determine the effectiveness of each gene. Cooperation between laboratories has been essential to avoid duplication of efforts and maximize progress in developing FHB-resistant germplasm with the limited resources available.